Wicked for Good Reviews: Early Buzz is Electrifying

The Magic Returns: Early Reactions to 'Wicked: For Good'

The highly anticipated sequel 'Wicked: For Good' has finally begun screening, and the early reviews are nothing short of spectacular. Fresh off the success of the first film—which earned 10 Oscar nominations and won two for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design—directors and audiences alike are buzzing about this next chapter in the Oz saga. With powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and Jon M. Chu at the helm, the film is being hailed as a masterpiece of modern musical cinema.

Kelly Clarkson’s Rave Review

In a moment that perfectly captured the film’s anticipated impact, Grammy and Emmy winner Kelly Clarkson left no doubt about her enthusiasm. During a live performance in Las Vegas last weekend, Clarkson shared her unfiltered reaction after watching an early screening: “I literally just went, ‘F–k,’” she joked. “Honestly, it was so good. On another level of elite talent, like on camera, behind the camera. There are so many incredible shots. It was magic. It was cool. And it kept happening. It was so good. The singing, the actors, the comedy.”

Clarkson, who grew up adoring movie musicals, added that she was “so moved” by the experience and urged audiences, “You all should go see it.” This endorsement from a fellow artist underscores the emotional and technical prowess of the film.

Jon M. Chu’s Vision: Timeless Stories, Timely Themes

Director Jon M. Chu, fresh off his groundbreaking work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, shared his deeply personal connection to 'Wicked: For Good' in a recent interview. Chu, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. with nothing but a dream, sees the film as both a celebration of the American dream and a stark reflection of societal challenges.

“Any timeless story feels timely because it’s about the human condition,” Chu explained. “When people become too powerful, what happens to the powerless? That cycle, unfortunately, challenges us every few generations, and maybe this is our moment.”

Chu praised his leads, Erivo and Grande, for bringing unscripted authenticity to their roles. “When she came in, she wasn’t the pop star Ari, she was Glinda. She was from another planet,” he said of Grande. Similarly, he highlighted Erivo’s raw talent: “I felt like she was singing about me, dreaming about being a director in my dorm room.” Their chemistry, Chu noted, creates a narrative that resonates across cultures and generations.

Oscar Buzz: A Contender for the Ages

The industry’s excitement is translating into serious awards chatter. According to The Hollywood Reporter, 'Wicked: For Good' is already being positioned as a major contender for the 2026 Academy Awards. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are expected to receive nominations in the same categories as the first film—Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.

Grande, in particular, is being hailed as the “new and clear frontrunner for best supporting actress,” with comparisons to past musical icons like Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) and Ariana DeBose (West Side Story). The publication notes, “Between the two Wicked films, she has given the sort of tour-de-force performance that the Academy has always had a very hard time resisting.” Erivo, meanwhile, is just one “O” shy of a coveted EGOT.

Why 'Wicked: For Good' Matters

Beyond its entertainment value, the film tackles profound themes of discrimination, identity, and the cost of power—mirroring our current cultural moment. As Chu poetically puts it, “Melting is not fun. Maybe it’s a soup in which we’re all still our own selves, in the same bowl.” This message of unity amid diversity gives the film an emotional weight that extends far beyond a typical musical.

With its soaring vocals, jaw-dropping visuals, and powerhouse performances, 'Wicked: For Good' is poised to not only delight audiences but also spark conversations about what it means to live in a world that demands we embrace our differences. As Kelly Clarkson’s reaction proves, the magic of Oz has never felt more real—or more necessary.